breaking news 2010

Summer 2010 A News Publication from Break-Thru Home Care, Inc.
A Note from the CEO:
Moving Break-Thru to
the Top of the Line:
Greetings to all and
welcome to the first
issue of the Break-Thru
Home Care, Inc.
Newsletter. In case you
are not familiar with me,
let me take a moment to
introduce myself. I am
Debra Burke, the Founder
and Executive Director of
Break-Thru, and I myself
have a physical disability.
I have been a client of personal care agencies for
more than 25 years. I have her over 14 years of
working experience in the PCA Industry; in
September 2001, I decided there were things that
could be changed for the better in this business.
Break-Thru has now been providing PCA care for
clients in and around the Twin Cities since March
2002.
I believe it is very
important to foster
independence and
empower clients
through their own
choices. Break-
Thru’s foundation
has been built on
allowing there to be
client-centered
quality personal
care services for
individuals of all
ages. My goal is to
make certain that
Break-Thru's
primary focus is
meeting the client’s needs and personal
satisfaction, while making sure to be in
compliance with the Minnesota Department of
Human Services policies.
We are committed to providing the highest
quality home care that creates an atmosphere
of independence for our clients. We specialize
in helping clients to fully utilize all community
services available to them. We believe that clients
should retain control of their lives and their care.
You will learn in this issue about the amazing staff
that I have been blessed to unite to maintain the
high level of care that we strive to provide on a day
to day basis. I am very proud of them and happy to
say we are continuing to grow and expand. I would
also like to extend a THANK YOU to all clients &
PCAs who have made referrals which have
contributed to our continued growth and success.
Your trust and kindness is invaluable!
There are some changes coming for the better to
insure complete compliance with MN DHS policies.
I know change is scary, but it is very necessary for
onward and upward movement toward the future.
Please be patient and cooperative during the
transition.
Feel free to contact me anytime 612-659-1505 or
dburke@breakthrucare.com
Sincerely,
Debra L. Burke, Executive Director
Break-Thru Home Care, Inc.
In This Issue
• Legislative Updates
• Announcement:
Employee Guidebook
• Mandatory Training from
DHS & Break-Thru
• DSP Recognition Week
• Nominating a DSP of the
Year!
• Time Sheet Due Date
Change!
• And much more!
....BREAKING NEWS....
Debra Burke and Pepsi.
112 North 3rd
St. Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN. 55104
Ph. 612.659-1505 Fax 612-659-1499
www.breakthrucare.com

….BREAKING NEWS....BREAKING NEWS....BREAKING NEWS....BREAKING NEWS.... 2
DHS Begins Mandatory On-Line
PCA Training:
Effective Immediately: A person must complete
standardized PCA training to satisfy Minnesota law
before:
• Joining a PCA provider agency and
• Enrolling as an individual PCA provider with
Minnesota Health Care Programs (MCHP)
The DHS training is available to anyone. Training:
• Is available online 24 hours a day
• Is free to the public
• Offers a separate test-out process
The training and test are currently available in
English. The training will be available in five additional
languages before the end of 2010: Hmong, Russian,
Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. In addition,
facilitator and participant manuals are being
developed as course materials. They will be made
available upon request for those who need a format
other than the online modules. The course materials
will be available in English in the Fall 2010 and
available in the five additional languages by the end
of 2010.
Captioning and audio information
All information within the training course is open
captioned for those who use screen readers or other
software. The course has been narrated throughout
each section for those who prefer or learn in an
auditory manner.
Training
Nine modules make up the training course with a
certification test. Registration is not required to view
the modules. View the modules in any order. Return
to the information in the modules as needed. You are
not required to view the modules before taking the
test.
Testing
Registration is required to take the test and receive a
certificate of completion. A passing score is 80%. This
means you must answer 20 out of 25 questions
correctly to receive a passing score.
Take the test as often as you need to pass. However,
you must register each time you take the test. If you
take the test more than one time, the questions may
look different each time. The questions are from a
question bank and generated randomly.
When you register for the test, you will answer a few
questions about:
• What language you are most comfortable
speaking and reading
• If you have a computer
• How comfortable you are using a computer
This information helps DHS plan future training and
will not be used for any other purpose.
When you register to take the test online, you will be
required to provide an email address. DHS uses the
e-mail address to send you an email after you pass
the test. The e-mail allows you to access and print
your certificate of completion as many times as
needed. If you do not have an email address, ask a
family member, friend or employer for assistance in
creating an email account. Email is easy to set-up and
free.
You also have an option to print your certificate of
completion immediately after taking the test. It is
important that you:
• Print several copies of the certificate to give to
prospective employers
• Save the link from the e-mail so you can print
certificates in the future
More information
PCAs affiliated with a PCA provider agency contact
their PCA provider agency with questions. If the

provider agency is unable to answer the question, the
agency may contact the MHCP Provider Call Center
at (651) 431-2700 or toll free 1 (800) 366-5411.
PCAs who are not yet affiliated with a PCA provider
agency may e-mail their questions to
dhs.dsd.learn@state.mn.us or call (651) 431-2400.
Break-Thru is creating a computer station
for PCAs to utilize to study & prepare for
the test and to take the on-line test. PCAs
need to call the office to reserve time to
use the computer station. If you need
assistance with reading or technical
support, please let us know when you
call.
Top 5 Places for Free
Internet- Access :
1. Your local library
2. Coffee shops that offer free
WI-FI
3. Work Force Centers
4. Community Centers
5. Community College Computer
Labs
Break-Thru welcomes new staff:
The month of June allowed Break-Thru the opportunity
to hire for two new staff positions; please help us in
welcoming Israel Payne and Brigette Menger-
Anderson.
Mr. Payne, or “Izzy” provides Administrative Assistance
to the staff at Break-Thru. While Izzy takes on this new
role at Break-Thru, he continues to provide PCA
supports to Deb Burke, which he has done for the past
18 years.
Izzy has recently assisted in an audit of all employee
files, to ensure that the proper documentation was
collected and that the expired documents are being
replaced with copies of current driver's licenses,
passports, etc.
If you receive a call from Israel, or he answers the
phone, be sure to welcome him and to thank him for
doing an excellent job with supporting the needs of the
program and for being a committed, respectful,
professional PCA- he is without a doubt a positive and
inspiring role model for home care workers.
From left to right: Israel Payne, Audua Pugh, LaSonya
Johnson, Kecia Hayslett, Brigette Menger-Anderson, Emily
Horner. Front: Debra Burke and Pepsi. Not pictured: Dorothy
Michels-Kelton & Kari Grimm.

Ms. Menger-Anderson is the Compliance Administrator
& QP. Her primary role is to ensure that Break-Thru is
in compliance with the rules and protocols set forth by
Legislation and the Department of Human Services
(DHS).
Brigette also provides supports to clients and PCAs by
developing care plans & assisting with training related
to work-place safety, program integrity, clients rights
and DSP advocacy.
Brigette has just completed the development of an
Employee Guidebook, and will be conducting the
upcoming mandatory PCA workshops.
You could say she has her work cut out for her, but
we are confident that with her 18 years of combined
experience as a PCA, a front-line group-home
supervisor, a Manager of a Consumer-Directed PCA
Program and a Board Member of DSPAM, she has the
knowledge, skills and passion to assist the Break-Thru
team with taking the next steps to becoming one of the
top-rated PCA Providers.
Brigette feels very fortunate to be offered employment
in health and human services, during a time in which
budget cuts have really threatened the viability of many
home care agencies. “It speaks volumes of Break-
Thru's continued success to be able to offer additional
job opportunities and to support their clients and staff
by offering additional training, investing in a computer
work station to assist PCAs with meeting new on-line
training requirements and publishing and distributing a
this Newsletter. I am so happy to join the Break-Thru
Team.”
Break-Thru is proud to welcome Israel and Brigette to
their dynamic team, please give us a call or stop in to
help us welcome them!
Break-Thru Staff:
Audua Pugh: Staffing Coordinator &
Human Resources Generalist
Brigette Menger-Anderson:
Compliance Administrator & QP
Debra Burke: Executive Director
Dorothy Michels-Kelton: Accounting
Emily Horner: Supervisory Nurse
Israel Payne: Program Assistant
Kari Grimm: Supervisory Nurse
Kecia Hayslett: Supervisory Nurse
LaSonya Johnson: Billing & Claims
Specialist
Break-Thru is changing the time sheet due date:
Starting the pay period of September 6th-September 19th
the time sheet due date is being changed:
Time sheets will be due on Tuesday September 21st
by 1pm.
Time sheets will not be processed if they are not received in office by
Tuesdays at 1pm from this date forward.
DON'T BE LATE!
A late time sheet means
not being paid
for at least two more weeks!
$$$$$$$$$$

Break-Thru hosting mandatory
PCA workshops:
Break-Thru has recently completed its new Policy &
Procedures Manual and Employee Guidebook. To help
our employees better understand these rules and
protocols, we will be hosting 5 orientation sessions. It
is mandatory for all employees to attend one of these
sessions.
These sessions will include:
• PCAs receiving a copy of the new guidebook &
distribution of latex-free gloves.
• Re-training on PCA time sheets, distribution of
the new payroll schedule and review of client
Care Plans.
• Reviewing the new requirements that DHS has
implemented for PCAs in regards to the 275
hour monthly cap, the exemption from
unemployment taxes for paid care givers of
family members and the mandatory
standardized on-line training and competency
test for all PCAs.
Clients are welcome to attend a session with their
PCAs or by themselves, but registration is required
for everyone.
PCAs will be paid *minimum wage to attend this 1-hour
training.
*You must receive at least the minimum wage per
hour for all hours your employer requires you to work,
including preparation time, on-the-job training, opening
and closing times, and required meetings.
http://www.dli.mn.gov/LS/FaqEmpRights.asp
You must Call AHEAD to reserve
ONE of the following dates:
□ Friday, August 27th:
10 am - 11 am.
□ Tuesday, August 31st:
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
□ Wednesday, September 1st:
5 pm – 6 pm
□ Thursday, September 09th:
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
□ Saturday, September 11th :
1 pm – 2 pm
Training will be held at the North Regional
Minneapolis Library 1315 Lowry Ave. N.,
Minneapolis, 55411.
Free parking in the back parking lot and on the
streets.
Nearby bus routes: 5,19, 22 & 32.
612-659-1505
Time sheets will not be accepted as of
September 21st
if you have not made arrangements
to attend one of these workshops.
PCAs will receive a notice of suspension if they do not attend!
Call us immediately if you need to request an alternate date/time.
Israel and Audua,
here to SUPPORT you!

DSP Recognition Week:
ANCOR RESOLUTION
Designating the Week beginning September
12, 2010 as
“National Direct Support Professionals
Recognition Week”
Whereas direct support professionals, direct care workers,
personal assistants, personal attendants, in-home support
workers, and paraprofessionals (referred to in this preamble
as “direct support professionals”) are the primary providers
of publicly-funded long term supports and services for
millions of individuals;
Whereas a direct support professional must build a close,
trusted relationship with an individual with disabilities;
Whereas a direct support professional assists an individual
with disabilities with the most intimate needs, on a daily
basis;
Whereas direct support professionals provide a broad range
of support, including—
(1) preparation of meals;
(2) helping with medications;
(3) bathing;
(4) dressing ;
(5) mobility;
(6) getting to school, work, religious, and recreational
activities; and
(7) general daily affairs;
Whereas a direct support professional provides essential
support to help keep an individual with disabilities
connected to the family and community of the individual;
Whereas direct support professionals enable individuals
with disabilities to live meaningful, productive lives;
Whereas direct support professionals are the key to
allowing an individual with disabilities to live successfully in
the community of the individual, and to avoid more costly
institutional care;
Whereas the majority of direct support professionals are
female, and many are the sole breadwinners of their
families;
Whereas direct support professionals work and pay taxes,
but many remain impoverished and are eligible for the same
the same Federal and State public assistance programs on
which the individuals with disabilities served by the direct
support professionals must depend;
Whereas Federal and State policies, as well as the
Supreme Court, in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999),
assert the right of an individual to live in the home and
community of the individual;
Whereas, in 2010, the majority of direct support
professionals are employed in home and community-based
settings and this trend is projected to increase over the
decade;
Whereas there is a documented critical and growing
shortage of direct support professionals in every community
throughout the United States; and
Whereas many direct support professionals are forced to
leave jobs due to inadequate wages and benefits, creating
high turnover and vacancy rates that research demonstrates
adversely affects the quality of supports to individuals with
disabilities:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the American Network
of Community Options and Resources—
(1) designates the week beginning September 12, 2010, as
“National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week”;
(2) recognizes the dedication and vital role of direct support
professionals in enhancing the lives of individuals with
disabilities of all ages;
(3) appreciates the contribution of direct support
professionals in supporting the needs that reach beyond the
capacities of millions of families in the United States;
(4) commends direct support professionals as integral in
supporting the long-term support and services system of the
United States; and
(5) finds that the successful implementation of the public
policies of the United States depends on the dedication of
direct support professionals.
See the last page for info about how to
nominate yourself or someone that you
know, for the 2010 DSP of the Year and
the DSP Advocate of the Year awards!
Deadline is Friday August 27th
!

OPPORTUNITIES
CAN BE CREATED
by Kecia Hayslett
Break-Thru Supervisory Nurse
Much that is said about opportunity suggests that it is
something that comes to you arbitrarily:
“Opportunities like this don’t come every day” or
“Opportunity only knocks once”.
But if we see opportunity as something that only
comes by chance, are we not leaving ourselves
powerless? In the scenario above we have no control
in what comes to us.
If you have a dream, or a goal, you have to create your
own opportunities and the way to do this is by
focusing, believing, being and thinking. Do you
agree?
We all get into a negative state of thinking from time
to time. This can manifest in many different ways:
anxiety, anger, resentment, bitterness, frustration, etc,
etc. When we operate within these states we are
closing the door to opportunity, and we cannot create
constructive/ positive ideas that will move us forward.
However, when we operate from a positive state of
mind, i.e. peaceful, loving, trusting, relaxed etc, we
are more open to what is around us. It is from these
states of mind that we can create new ideas, thoughts
and find new opportunities.
If you think that it’s too difficult to switch from one
state of mind to another, then you are again leaving
yourself powerless. Your emotions are controlling you
instead of you being in control. (You have more
control over you than any person around you).
Once you realize that who you are being at any one
time is completely within your control, you are then
putting yourself at the control center of your own life.
Once you are aware of your negative state, it is
entirely your choice to switch to a more constructive
one.
The way it works is this: What you focus on has a
tendency to become a reality. When you are thinking
negatively, your focus is bound to be negative. The
first step in changing your state is to be aware of your
thoughts. If you are feeling low, then it’s likely that
your thoughts are negative.
Once you have noticed this, it is then a short step to
creating new, positive thoughts.
Creating positive thoughts is just a case of changing
your view of any given reality. For example, most of
us know the feeling of suddenly getting a huge bill we
weren’t expecting, or finding we’re overdrawn.
Negative thoughts tend to crowd in at these times,
making us feel powerless and depressed.
But instead of such thoughts as “I just never seem to
have any money” or “Why does this always happen to
me?”, both of which tend to keep us in the same
situation, you can switch to something like: “The
money I need is always available for me” or “My life
is rich with opportunities” .
Once you start switching your thinking like this, you
may notice an increase in energy and an increase in
your ability to create solutions and find the
opportunities that are all around you.
We want to hear from you!
Send us your stories and pictures!
Why did you become a PCA,
how long have you been a PCA,
what challenges you have faced as a PCA?
What is your perspective as a person receiving
PCA services? What tips do you have
to share with other clients and PCAs?
What is a favorite recipe that a PCA
and client enjoy making and sharing?
You can drop off your stories at the office
or you can email: findb@hotmail.com

The Direct Support Professional Association of MN (DSPAM)
is accepting nominations for the following awards:
DSP of the year &
DSP Advocate of the Year
Applications can be picked up at our office, or you can send an email,
requesting an application, to findb@hotmail.com
Deadline is Friday August 27th
at 5pm.
For more information about Minnesota's only DSP Advocacy organization,
Please visit www.nadsp.org/dspam
Direct Support Professionals Make a Difference!
Are you a member of DSPAM? I am DSPAM!
Break-Thru provides both Traditional and PCA Choice services.
Call us today if you'd like to work together!
Affix mailing label here:
Break-Thru Home Care Inc.
112 North 3rd
Street
Suite #300
Minneapolis, MN 55401

breaking news 2010

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